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Genetic research

New Method for Detecting Bladder Cancer through Urine Sample Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Birmingham's Bladder Cancer Research Centre have developed a new approach to detect chemical changes in DNA in an individual's urine sample. The method, published in Clinical Epigenetics, involves analyzing methylation changes across the whole length of DNA in a urine sample using long-read whole-genome sequencing technology. This approach may form the basis of a next-generation diagnostic urine test that can reveal additional features of tumor DNA, including those detected by the GALEAS Bladder test.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new method uses long-read whole-genome sequencing to analyze DNA chemistry in urine samples, detecting epigenetic changes called methylation, which can indicate the presence of bladder cancer.
  • The approach is based on analyzing methylation changes across the whole length of DNA in a urine sample, unlike current state-of-the-art diagnostic urine tests that rely on sequencing small segments of DNA.
  • The team was able to discriminate cancer from non-cancer patients even if the tumor DNA level was low, suggesting that this approach could potentially surpass current clinical methods.
  • The method involves developing Artificial Intelligence methods to classify patients based on their DNA methylation patterns and direct them to the optimal treatment pathway.
  • The study lays the foundation for a next-generation diagnostic urine test that could be faster, gentler, and more patient-friendly.
  • The team's new approach offers a glimpse of what could be achievable in a clinical setting, promising comprehensive, non-invasive testing for bladder cancer.

Statistics:

  • The study was the first to map methylation patterns using long-read DNA sequencing technology.
  • The team analyzed DNA samples from patients with and without bladder cancer, detecting epigenetic changes that could be used to identify the presence of cancer.
  • The study demonstrated the ability to discriminate cancer from non-cancer patients even with low levels of tumor DNA.

Sources:

  • Opal Academy of Medical Education and Research
  • Alpha Analytics Ltd.

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/new-way-of-detecting-tumour-dna-in-urine-can-identify-bladder-cancer

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